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What are the causes of generalised anxiety disorder?

It is not known exactly what causes generalised anxiety disorder. Many factors are thought to contribute to the development of the condition. This might include experiencing a major stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job, or having a traumatic childhood.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is generalised anxiety disorder?

Almost everyone will worry or feel anxious at some time. You might worry about an exam that is coming up, or feel anxious about speaking in front of an audience. People with generalised anxiety disorder feel worried or anxious most of the time, even …

What are the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder?

The main symptom of generalised anxiety disorder is feeling worried or anxious most of the time. People with generalised anxiety disorder may get tired very easily, feel restless or irritable, find it hard to concentrate, have tense or …

How is generalised anxiety disorder diagnosed?

To diagnose generalised anxiety disorder, your doctor may start by asking questions about your symptoms and medical history. To be diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, a person generally feels anxiety or worry most of the time for six …

How is generalised anxiety disorder treated?

Treatment for generalised anxiety disorder may involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy involves meeting with a therapist to discuss your thoughts and feelings and any problems that you may be having. In particular, a …

How does cognitive behaviour therapy help with generalised anxiety disorder?

Cognitive behaviour therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to teach people how to change their thinking habits. It can teach people with generalised anxiety disorder how to tell when worrying is not …

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness about something. Anxiety may cause your heart to beat faster than normal, cause hot and cold flushes and tightening of the chest. It is normal to feel anxious in certain situations, such as before giving a presentation, …

Who gets generalised anxiety disorder?

Anyone can get generalised anxiety disorder. People are more likely to develop the condition if they have a close family member with the condition, have experienced a major stressful event, such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job, or had a …

Is there a way to prevent getting generalised anxiety disorder?

Because the causes of generalised anxiety disorder are not fully understood, there is no known way to prevent the condition. There are some steps that can be taken to help reduce anxiety; finding time to relax, exercising …

How common is generalised anxiety disorder?

Generalised anxiety disorder is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders. In Australia, it is thought that around one in seven adults are affected by the condition every year.

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About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 21 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 428 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Post-traumatic stress disorder

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